subject: Simple Stretching Exercises For Beginners [print this page] Why are there stretching exercises for beginners? One would think that stretching your legs, arms and body would be a very straight forward activity. This however in not the case, over the years many experts and scientists have done extensive research into stretching and its benefits. What they have found is that stretching is a very exact science and there is no one stretch that will solve all your problems. There are a whole range of stretches that are suited to different levels of fitness. There are also stretches that are tailored to work certain muscles and maximize different work out routines. One of these areas of research that is very important is stretching exercises for beginners.
Many experienced people in the world of fitness do not know enough about stretching these days. It is even looked upon as something that is of minor importance by some; they couldnt be further from the truth. Therefore, it is not only people who are exercising for the first time that can benefit from stretching exercise for beginners. Anybody who is in anyway unsure of how to stretch properly can always go back to the basics and start from there. Stretching exercises for beginners can be a great way of getting yourself back to basics. These basics will provide you with the foundation you need to build on and ensure that you are getting the most from your workouts.
What benefits can you gain from stretching exercises for beginners? One of the most important things about stretching is the fact that you can actually help prevent injuries from occurring while you train. If you are one of these people that are constantly battling small niggling injuries that are preventing you from training at 100% of your capacity, it could mean that you are not stretching enough. It could also mean that you are performing the wrong stretches or performing your stretches incorrectly. By performing stretching exercises for beginners you will be able to learn all the most important aspects of stretching again, which sometimes we can neglect.
So what other advantages are there that we can gain from stretching exercises for beginners?
You will greatly reduce the risk sustaining injuries during and after your workout.
When you stretch you maximize your bodys potential to heal and grow after workouts.
Stretching exercises for beginners reduces the stiffness or soreness that you feel in your muscles and joints after exercising.
It can help to ease lower back pains.
You will increase blood flow to your muscles and tissue providing them with more nutrients.
Your coordination will be improved.
You will begin to enjoy your workouts more and find them becoming easier.
As you can see, stretching exercises for beginners as well as the more experienced have a profound affect on your workout right across the board.
Now that you know what can be achieved by performing the correct stretching exercises for beginners, you will need to know how they should be executed.
Gentle stretching before you workout is necessary. Warm up first, and then do a few gentle stretches to get you ready for your workout.
Stretching after your workout is very important and is now considered the most effective time to stretch (for improving flexibility) by many experts.
When attempting stretching exercises for beginners you should only feel a very slight pull on your muscle. If it becomes uncomfortable you are doing something wrong and you should stop.
Each stretch should be held for about 20 seconds or more in order to maximize its effectiveness.
Information supplied by Brad Walker and The Stretching Institute. Brad is a leading stretching and sports injury consultant with more than 20 years experience in the health and fitness industry. For more free articles and information on stretching, flexibility and sports injury management, visit The Stretching Institute.
